As more and more couples are waiting until later in life to have children, it is important to examine the impact that this trend may have on their children’s developmental disorders.

Studies have shown that advanced parental age may be associated with an increased risk of various developmental disorders in children, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a highly heritable developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.

According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 studies, advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with a significantly increased risk of ASD in offspring. Specifically, the risk of ASD was found to be 18% higher for mothers 35 years or older compared to those under 35 years of age. The association between paternal age and ASD risk is less clear.

However, a recent study suggests that the age of the father may influence the severity of ASD in offspring, with older fathers more likely to have children with more severe ASD symptoms.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a common childhood disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Various studies have suggested that advanced parental age may be associated with an increased risk of ADHD in children.

For instance, a Swedish registry-based study that included over 200,000 children found that both advanced maternal and paternal ages were associated with an increased risk of ADHD. The study found that for every ten years increase in maternal or paternal age, the risk of ADHD increased by approximately 18%.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies, advanced paternal age (APA) is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. The analysis found that the risk of schizophrenia was two times higher in offspring of fathers aged 50 years and above compared to those with younger fathers.

The association between maternal age and schizophrenia risk is less consistent, with some studies reporting a significant effect while others have not found any association.

Why Older Parental Age May Affect Developmental Disorders in Children?

The mechanisms underlying the association between advanced parental age and developmental disorders in offspring are not yet fully understood. However, several hypotheses have been proposed.

One theory is that aging parents may accumulate more genetic mutations in their reproductive cells, which may increase the risk of genetic disorders in their offspring. Another hypothesis is that advanced parental age may contribute to epigenetic changes in the offspring, which can alter gene expression and affect brain development.

Additionally, environmental factors such as socioeconomic status and maternal health may also play a role in the association between parental age and developmental disorders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, advanced parental age is associated with an increased risk of various developmental disorders in children, including ASD, ADHD, and schizophrenia.

While the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear, it is important for couples who are planning on having children at a later age to be aware of the potential risks and to consider seeking genetic counseling.